A pair of sequels to widely popular films will duel for box office supremacy. The animated fantasy adventure How to Train Your Dragon 2 [HTYD2] comes more than four years after How to Train Your Dragon opened to $43.7 million. Regarded as one of DreamWorks Animation’s best film, the original legged out $217.6 million domestically. The PG-rated sequel finds the Viking Hiccup, voiced by Jay Baruchel [JBARU], all grown up and the fantasy world of dragons expanded exponentially. Dragon 2 should benefit as the only animated blockbuster of the summer, as well as coming two months after the last, Rio 2. The positive reviews thus far should entice back fans of the first, though advance sales have been comparably sluggish. With an opening saturated in 4235 theaters, How to Train Your Dragon 2 could swipe $66 million.
The action comedy sequel 22 Jump Street [21JS2] reunites Channing Tatum [CTATU] and Jonah Hill [JHILL]. The unlikely duo displayed fine chemistry as buddy cops in 21 Jump Street, which debuted to $36.2 million in March of 2012. The sequel moves the setting from high school to college, which opens up the story to more R-rated hijinks. Sony started the marketing campaign early on, which has helped built up anticipation. Advance sales are pacing ahead of Ted ($54.4 million) and Neighbors ($49.0 million). Raging in 3306 theaters, 22 Jump Street may narc on $56 million.
After pushing The Fault in Our Stars [TFIOS] to number one, will the young female fanbase return for repeat viewings? The Fault in Our Stars is likely headed for a drop of more than 50% in its sophomore weekend to $23 million.
Maleficent [MALEF] has held up better than the summer’s other blockbusters. The fantasy film could net another $18 million.
Despite a mild opening relative to its budget, Edge of Tomorrow [AYNIK] has strong reviews and word of mouth. Edge of Tomorrow may be able to decline less than 50% to $15 million for its second try.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): HTYD2, JBARU, 21JS2, CTATU, JHILL, TFIOS, MALEF, AYNIK